No spark, solenoid clicking

[Gras]

I just picked up a 1987 argo 8x8 with the Kohler engine in it. I installed a new battery but I have no spark and the solenoid is clicking when I turn the key. Is this a bad solenoid or would it be the coil. Any advice will be appreciated.

[Mike]

How are you testing the spark? It sounds like the motor isn't even turning over. That usually indicates a bad solenoid, bad ground, loose connections, etc. Take a jumper cable from the positive terminal on the battery to the small terminal on the solenoid and try that. If that doesn't work, take the jumper cable off the solenoid and connect it directly to the starter. If that starts, then you know it was the solenoid. If neither work, it may be an issue with the starter itself.

[CBass]

If it isn't even turning over and all you are getting is the clicking, check your grounds. I was driving myself mad with a problem that sounds about the same as yours and it turned out to be the Grounding strap wasn't getting a good connection. It had worked its way loose on the motor and dirt was covering it. I cleaned everything up and then tighten the ground and it fired right up.

[Beeman]

Put a volt meter on the solenoid.

[Bazooo guy]

First disconnect the battery and remove both large terminals on the solenoid and clean all the connections.
If the solenoid is clicking the coil is ok and its ground is good. If the contacts are burnt or connections are weak you wont get power to the starter.
If the starter has a poor ground it wont turn or will turn slower than normal.
Trying to start the engine with a weak battery or bad starter will fry a new solenoid.
Test your starter with jumper cables as suggested......... before you replace the solenoid .

[Gras]

Thanks Mike. I jumped the solenoid as you said and it worked. Now I just have to figure out the fuel issue.